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Seaweed is an excellent source of fiber, which is known to promote gut health ( 29, 30). It’s estimated that you have more bacteria cells in your body than human cells ( 27).Īn imbalance in these “good” and “bad” gut bacteria can lead to sickness and disease ( 28). Gut bacteria play an enormous role in your health. Provides Fiber and Polysaccharides That Can Support Your Gut Health
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These antioxidants protect your body from cell damage.Ĥ. Seaweed contains a wide range of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, and flavonoids.
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Nevertheless, seaweed contains a wide variety of plant compounds that work together to have strong antioxidant effects ( 26). While the body does not always absorb fucoxanthin well, absorption may be improved by consuming it along with fat ( 25). It’s the main carotenoid found in brown algae, such as wakame, and it has 13.5 times the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E ( 22).įucoxanthin has been shown to protect cell membranes better than vitamin A ( 24).
Guso lato seaweed free#
These have been shown to protect your body’s cells from free radical damage ( 22, 23).Ī lot of research has focused on one particular carotenoid called fucoxanthin. In addition to containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, seaweed boasts a wide variety of beneficial plant compounds, including flavonoids and carotenoids. This makes them less likely to damage your cells.įurthermore, excess free radical production is considered to be an underlying cause of several diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes ( 20, 21). Contains a Variety of Protective AntioxidantsĪntioxidants can make unstable substances in your body called free radicals less reactive ( 18, 19). Moreover, it’s a good source of omega-3 fats.ģ. Some types can even contain high amounts of vitamin B12. Seaweed contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, iron, and calcium. That said, there is an ongoing debate about whether your body can absorb and use the vitamin B12 from seaweed ( 16, 17). One study found 2.4 mcg or 100% of the RDI of vitamin B12 in only 4 grams of nori seaweed ( 14, 15). It appears that dried green and purple seaweed contain substantial amounts of vitamin B12. Seaweed can also be a good source of omega-3 fats and vitamin B12 ( 13, 14).
Guso lato seaweed full#
This means seaweed can help ensure you get the full range of amino acids ( 10, 11, 12). The proteins present in some seaweeds, such as spirulina and chlorella, contain all of the essential amino acids. While it may only contribute to a small percentage of some of the DVs above, using it as a seasoning once or twice per week can be an easy way to add more nutrients to your diet.
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Seaweed also contains small amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with folate, zinc, sodium, calcium, and magnesium ( 10). Generally, 1 tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina can provide ( 10): Sprinkling some dried seaweed on your food not only adds taste, texture, and flavor to your meal, but it’s an easy way to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals. Your thyroid gland requires both to function properly.Įach type of seaweed has a unique set of nutrients. Seaweed contains a concentrated source of iodine and an amino acid called tyrosine. Seaweed also contains an amino acid called tyrosine, which is used alongside iodine to make two key hormones that help the thyroid gland do its job properly ( 9). Just one teaspoon (3.5 grams) of dried kelp could contain 59 times the RDI ( 8). Kelp is one of the best sources of iodine. Kombu: 2523 mcg per gram (1,682% of the RDI).Wakame: 139 mcg per gram (93% of the RDI).In fact, one dried sheet of seaweed can contain 11–1,989% of the RDI ( 7).īelow is the average iodine content of three different dried seaweeds ( 8): Its iodine content varies greatly depending on the type, where it was grown, and how it was processed. Seaweed has the unique ability to absorb concentrated amounts of iodine from the ocean ( 6). The recommended dietary intake (RDI) of iodine for adults is 140 mcg per day ( 5). Without enough iodine, you may start to experience symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, or swelling of the neck over time ( 3, 4). Your thyroid relies on iodine to make hormones. Your thyroid gland releases hormones to help control growth, energy production, reproduction and the repair of damaged cells in your body ( 1, 2).
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